Geotechnical Engineering Fundamentals: Slope Stability

After participating in this course, you will be able to:

• Understand the forces and activities that provoke slope failures
• Understand the factors controlling the stability of slopes.
• Estimate the stability of slopes.
• Appreciate the role of different slope stabilization techniques in slope stability.

Description
Many geotechnical structures (e.g., dams, levees, highways, canals and excavations) are constructed by sloping the lateral faces of the soil, as building slopes is generally less expensive than constructing walls. Failure of natural slopes (landslides) and man-made slopes have resulted in the loss of life, destruction, economic losses, and environmental damage.

This lecture aims at understanding the mechanisms controlling the stability of slopes, analyzing the strength of slopes against any potential failure, and developing stabilization techniques to stabilize unstable slopes.

All key concepts will be explained, and emphasis will be placed on the practical application of the information provided.

Course Outline

• Shear strength of soils
• Factors controlling slope instability
• Slope stability analysis (hand calculation and available programs)
• Slope stabilization techniques

Who Should Attend
Those who deal with construction-related geotechnical engineering issues or need to build background on slope stability analyses & design, including:

• Civil, Environmental & Transportation engineers/Technicians
• Geologists, city & public works officials/planners